Front alignment
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Front alignment
Last week I changed the bushings on the upper and lower A-arms, at the same time installed new 460rate springs. When doing the wheel alignment I noticed that I am unable to adjust to positiv camber, also the adjustment for caster is limited, I should not have more than 0.4" difference in front to rear shims on the upper A-arms according to the book. The frame has one light dent at the center between the wheels, I doubt that this is a problem. Anyhow the frame might be slightly distorted. Did anyone have experience with bending the mounting horns (only front) on the frame for the upper A-arms out.
I am running 0.5* negativ camber, 0.5* total toe-in. Car runs great, however have no tire wear pattern as I only drove a few miles.
BTW on my 82 I was able to adjust any given value for the alignment.
I am running 0.5* negativ camber, 0.5* total toe-in. Car runs great, however have no tire wear pattern as I only drove a few miles.
BTW on my 82 I was able to adjust any given value for the alignment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
That light dent you mentioned could be the problem, have you checked the frame specs? PG.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
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From: North Easton Mass
Is the dent on the underside of the front crossmember? If it is, it's pretty rare to find a Vette that doesn't have that dent. Clueless mechanics and owners over the years have jacked up almost every Vette by the front crossmember - it's an easy place to put a jack. Van Steel sells an upper crossbar that allows for more camber adjustment.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Last edited by 72LS1Vette; Apr 30, 2008 at 09:14 PM.
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Yes the dent is in the underside of the crossmember. It doesn´t look like it comes from jacking, probably the car hit some hard surface some time ago. What do you think? Attached are 2 photos, one I just made. Also found the crossbar from Van Steel. Thanks so far.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p..._0259edit1.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...ttom29edit.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p..._0259edit1.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...ttom29edit.jpg
Last edited by 72-454; May 1, 2008 at 06:33 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 175
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From: GRIMSBY N.E.LINCS. U.K.
Last week I changed the bushings on the upper and lower A-arms, at the same time installed new 460rate springs. When doing the wheel alignment I noticed that I am unable to adjust to positiv camber, also the adjustment for caster is limited, I should not have more than 0.4" difference in front to rear shims on the upper A-arms according to the book. The frame has one light dent at the center between the wheels, I doubt that this is a problem. Anyhow the frame might be slightly distorted. Did anyone have experience with bending the mounting horns (only front) on the frame for the upper A-arms out.
I am running 0.5* negativ camber, 0.5* total toe-in. Car runs great, however have no tire wear pattern as I only drove a few miles.
BTW on my 82 I was able to adjust any given value for the alignment.
I am running 0.5* negativ camber, 0.5* total toe-in. Car runs great, however have no tire wear pattern as I only drove a few miles.
BTW on my 82 I was able to adjust any given value for the alignment.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Caster is 2* - right side little less because the A-arm shaft is at the frame without shims on the front screw.
Car handles good no problems so far - just wondering what other´s experience is. Also don´t like to be at the limit with the adjustment possibility.
Car handles good no problems so far - just wondering what other´s experience is. Also don´t like to be at the limit with the adjustment possibility.
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